Is Kennedy, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Kennedy, AL — Water Quality Report
Kennedy's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 723 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Kennedy's water
Kennedy ranks #150 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Kennedy relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.10 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Kennedy may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kennedy, AL water safe to drink?
Kennedy's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 723 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kennedy
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kennedy's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kennedy's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kennedy's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Kennedy's water come from?
Kennedy's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 723 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Luxapallila Creek (river).
What Kennedy residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kennedy
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kennedy, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 542 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STEEL DUST RECYCLING LLC MILLPORT, AL35576 | Zinc compounds | 509 | 4.2 mi |
KOPPERS UTILITY & INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS KENNEDY, AL35574 | Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 33 | 0.5 mi |
INTERFOR U.S. INC. - FAYETTE DIV FAYETTE, AL35555 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
WEYERHAEUSER NR CO MILLPORT AL MILLPORT, AL35576 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtLamar County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kennedy compares by contaminant
Explore where Kennedy ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kennedy's water comes from
Kennedy's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 723 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kennedy
Kennedy is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kennedy
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KENNEDY WATER WORKS BOARD | AL0000769 | 723 | GW |
How Kennedy compares
Full Alabama rankings →Kennedy's score of 88/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Kennedy, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kennedy's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lamar
Frequently asked questions
Is Kennedy, AL tap water safe to drink?
Kennedy's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #150 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Kennedy's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Kennedy's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Kennedy?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kennedy's water come from?
Kennedy's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 723 residents.
Is Kennedy's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kennedy uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 1 violation on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Kennedy's water compare to other cities?
Kennedy ranks #150 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 58% of state cities) and #3735 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kennedy's small water system affect quality?
Kennedy's system serves approximately 723 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 1 violation on record.